FUNDING

The programme was funded with a grant from Tyne Wear Foundation, without which, its aims and objectives could not have been achieved.

WHY HAVE A VOLUNTEER PROJECT?

Most, if not all community centres could not exist without having volunteers. Volunteers run Management committees and carry out a wide variety of roles within the centre.

At Bensham we have volunteers who do clerical work, gardening, maintaining the building, as well as a lot of other tasks. Volunteers run playgroups and many other self motivated groups.

We have a huge management committee who, as well as manage the day to day running of the centre, also give tours of the house.

All our volunteers give their time and energy for no financial gain whatsoever.

RECRUITING FOR THE PROJECT.

Although we have a lot of volunteers at Bensham Grove, we thought it only right to advertise the course to anyone in the local area. We did posters and flyers and held an open evening on Wednesday 16th September. On the evening we had 20 people register, one of whom was totally new to the centre.

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS GAIN FROM THE COURSE PROGRAMME?

The volunteers are encouraged to take up courses that can enrich their lives, and also give them employablity skills. Any expenses for courses and transport are paid as part o0f the programme. Lunches are provided for volunteers whilst training and child provision is catered for.

The volunteers also gain confidence, self worth and beleif in themselves and their new found skills.

THE CERTIFICATE IN VOLUNTEERING COURSE PROGRAMME.

This is a 10 week course of 2 hours each week. At prresent this runs on a Tuesday. It is NCFE validated at Level 2. We meet at 12.30 for lunch and a chat before the course begins.

The first course began on 16th September 2009. We started with 12 learners but only 20 completed the course - the reason for this was that 2 of our learners have now obtained jobs!

The learners really enjoyed the course and have also undertaken three other courses;- FIRST AID, FOOD HYGEINE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY, which all passed with flying colours.

The learners portfolios are now completed and are awaiting validation.

JANUARY 2010.

Our second course is now underway, 9 new learners and 2 mentors. The mentors are two of the learners from last years course. Their skills are highly valued and each are working with a person who has English as their second language. We really appreciate the time and patience and knowledge Alice and Paula (our mentors) give to the course.